A striking image of a quetzal in mid-flight over Frontera Corozal, Chiapas, has gone viral, mesmerizing viewers across Mexico and Central America. The bird’s silhouette, gliding through misty skies, drew comparisons to a Dementor from the Harry Potter series.
Revered in ancient Mesoamerican cultures as a sacred symbol of freedom and the divine, the quetzal was linked to deities like Kukulkán and Quetzalcóatl. Known for its dazzling plumage and elusive nature, the species now faces critical threats from habitat loss and illegal trade.
Recent efforts to rescue and reintroduce quetzals to the wild, including a relocation to the Miguel Álvarez del Toro Zoo, offer hope. But conservationists warn more action is needed.
As the image continues to spread, so too does a powerful reminder: the skies still belong to the quetzal—if we protect them.
